Foods to Eat While Wearing Dentures

Complete dentures replace missing teeth in a mouth.

Dentures replace missing teeth to help give you an attractive smile, but they can get in the way of what you're able to comfortably eat. Your diet becomes even more important once you've been fitted for your dentures because you'll be more limited in what you can eat without causing damage to the dentures. This is especially true when your dentures are new and you're trying to get used to them. Sticking to soft foods at first is a good idea, and then you can gradually begin including additional foods in your diet as you adjust to wearing dentures.

When Your Dentures Are New

When you first get your dentures, your mouth will need to adjust to the change of having the fake teeth in place. During this time, you might experience soreness, especially as your jaw muscles and tongue learn to keep the dentures in place, according to the American Dental Association. You might also notice an increase in saliva production. During this transition period, you should eat soft and nonsticky foods. The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine recommends scrambled eggs, yogurt and soup as acceptable options. Fruit smoothies and soft fruits and vegetables, such as bananas or avocados, are additional foods that you'll probably be able to eat.

Foods to Look Forward to Soon

As the weeks pass and your mouth, jaw and tongue adjust to having the dentures in place, you can gradually add a wider selection of foods to your diet. The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine notes that as you get used to the dentures, you'll be able to eat almost all of the foods you enjoyed before getting dentures. As you become more comfortable, add foods such as cooked meat, cooked vegetables, rice and pasta back into your diet. Cut the foods into small pieces and chew on both sides of your mouth to make the food easier to eat.

What You Can't Eat

While you'll eventually be able to eat most foods, there are a few things you'll need to avoid while you're wearing your dentures. Hard foods, such as raw vegetables and nuts, will probably be off-limits because they can increase the risk of damage to your dentures, and they are hard to chew. You should also skip very hot liquids, MedlinePlus notes. Sticky foods, such as chewing gum and saltwater taffy, will probably be off-limits, as well, because they can get stuck to your dentures and pull them out of place as you chew. Ask your dentist what foods you need to avoid to be sure you are taking the best care of you dentures possible.

Caring For Your Dentures

Ask your dentist about denture adhesive, which can help adhere your dentures more tightly in your mouth. This can make eating certain foods, such as meat and raw vegetables, easier, though the adhesives might change the flavor of your foods slightly. Clean your dentures daily, too, the American Dental Association recommends. This rinses and removes any food debris left on the dentures. Keeping your dentures clean and taking proper care of your mouth are key to protecting your gums. Take your dentures out while you sleep to allow your gums a rest, as well, the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine suggests. Store the dentures in water or a denture cleaning solution until you're ready to put them back in your mouth.

About the Author

Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver.